title: Caput succedaneum thickness in prolonged second stage of labour: a clinical evaluation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Data are scarce regarding the association between the presence of caput succedaneum and the mode of delivery.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the presence and clinical significance of caput succedaneum thickness in prolonged second stage of labour.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a prospective study of women, beyond 37 weeks of gestation, during prolonged second stage of labour. Transperineal ultrasound was performed to assess the caput succedaneum thickness. The relationships between caput succedaneum thickness, feto-maternal characteristics, delivery mode and immediate post-natal outcomes were analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-eight women, of whom 47 were nulliparas, in prolonged second stage of labour, were included in the study. The caput succedaneum thickness could be measured in all cases. Overall mean thickness was 21.9 (±4.9) mm (range 14-40 mm). No significant difference or correlation was found between caput succedaneum thickness, fetal head positions, modes of delivery, duration of second stage, head circumference or neonatal outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Caput succedaneum is measurable in all cases at prolonged second stage using transperineal sonography. Its presence and dimensions presented in our pilot study seem to have no implication on delivery mode and neonatal outcome.
authors.affiliation: Sheba Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel- Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Yinon
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gilboa
authors.forename: Zvi
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Kivilevitch
authors.forename: Alon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kedem
authors.forename: Maya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Spira
authors.forename: Tamar
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Borkowski
authors.forename: Orit
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Moran
authors.forename: Eldad
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Katorza
authors.forename: Reuven
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Achiron
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001034:Apgar Score; D001720:Birth Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000737:chemistry; D006257:Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007746:Labor Presentation; D007748:Labor Stage, Second; D007902:Length of Stay; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D047929:Term Birth; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography
keywords: caput succedaneum thickness; second stage of labour; transperineal ultrasound